It's not one of the major points of negotiation while MLS and the players' union discuss a new collective bargaining agreement, but something has to be done about the financial strictures placed on international competitions.

Whether or not he makes his return to RFK Stadium Saturday a winning excursion against the team he led to three MLS titles and other crowns in four seasons, Galaxy coach Bruce Arena has no serious rivals for Coach of the Year honors.

If a modest two-game unbeaten streak had San Jose fans harboring even a smidgen of hope their team could get near the fringe of the playoff race, Saturday night at Candlestick Park snuffed those beliefs.